City Council

a Minutes from the City Council Meeting on Tuesday June 3, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Auditoriun:i., areas follows: ,, ' ' ' ',-/{. Laflamme, Frank N., President At-large Councilor Present ' Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-large Councilor Present Wagner, Timothy Joseph At-Large Councilor Present via Zoom Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D, Ward 2 Councilor Present Goff, Susan M. Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present Shumsky, Samuel Robert Ward 6 Councilor Present Courchesne, William C. Ward 7 Councilor Present Labrie, Gary R, Ward 8 Councilor Present Pniak-Costello, Mary Elizabeth Ward 9 Councilor Present Mayor's Orders briefing and announcements by Mayor Vieau or designee, On MO-1, trying to reduce the burden on taxpayers and using funds for tax relief. On MO-2, for cost of snow and ice removal from this past winter. On MO-3, grant money received, then will decide how to use it. MO-4, allows us to enforce violations on bus cameras, increases safety, Councilor Piniak-Costello, this has been discussed for awhile, thank you Mayor. Councilor Balakier, Operators who fail to stop need to be held accountable, pilot programs in other cities have been successful, thank you Mayor. Councilor Shumsky, knows someone almost killed by this, important everyone slows down, grateful for this. Councilor Wagner, questions any fee schedule. Mayor, $250 fine statute. Councilor Shumsky, allow President Laflamme to speak. President Laflamme, 100% behind this, but has concerns with the MGL and wants to review. Mayor, the bus contract is going out, the goal is that this is on the contract, thank you. MO-5, self-explanatory. MO-6, Gail Beaudoin is here, thank you, low membership and struggling to meet quorum. Gail Beaudoin, long term Chicopee resident and professional, need to provide safe, secure and nurturing housing environment for residents. Councilor Wagner, not in favor of not sending to committee given concerns how Housing Authority has been previously run. Councilor Brooks, housing permanency is important, not in favor of going to subcommittee, in city and state interest to move forward. Mayor, thank you. President Laflamme, per Counselor no more back and forth until the later portion of the meeting. MO-7, would be a new member and will go to subcommittee. Mayor stated there will be a hearing on June 9, 2025 from 1:00- 3:00 pm at the Hampden Inn in Chicopee in reference to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge replacement that goes over 391 and Chicopee Street. MA Department of Transportation holding meeting to share information. Public meeting on June 4, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm reference DCR Project Shade at the Chicopee Memorial State Park. Project team will show proposals of how to install more shade. Public Input - Lisa Bienvenue, 34 Everett Street, no budget hearing scheduled. How we spend money is important. There should have been budget talks for the public to hear long before July 1. Education is important. Why not discuss budget sooner so the public can discuss. Don't want money to go the Golf Course. Thomas Charette, former Police Chief, does not want to disclose address. President Laflamme notes this is acceptable. Thomas Charette, health insurance expenses on all employees is of concern. GIC plan cuts costs, other cities use it, but we do not. We do not offer employee+ 1 plans. Was told by Human Resources it would raise the family plan cost. Pension has not gone up, but the cost of insurance has. It is unsustainable and it does not attract new employees. Need to look at how to cut health costs. Tammy Schafer, 127 Gill Street, worked here for 35 years and been on the administrative bargaining committee for one year. We get low offers for wage increases during negotiations, other bargaining units that go before us get better. We get no retro pay when others do. Many need a second job just to afford to live. Candidates reject job offers here because of the health care cost. 20% of positions are vacant. The Union is here to say we want a fair living wage. Kate Ouimette, Local History Reference Librarian, work in the archives and with the public and help people connect with resources. I cannot afford to pay my mortgage even working full time with double incomes. I'm not the only one facing this issue. We can not afford the city health insurance and need to be insured by our spouses. I love my job, but need to be able to live. Please increase the living wage. Bruce Socha, 149 Labelle Circle, Chicopee Housing is considered a high performer and is run well. Encourage you to vote for our appointee Gail Beaudoin. Believe our candidate is more than qualified. It is irregular but needed. Elizabeth Goebel, 53 Broad Street, live across from the basketball court. Significant disruptions, noise, music, shouting, ball bouncing, interrupts sleep, can not concentrate on work, profanity, trash and lack of respect for property. Disruptive behavior, urinating on lawns, blocking the road, throwing rocks, speeding. The police do respond quickly but feel anxious to be in my own yard. Wants school zone signs posted and the hoops taken down. Denise Goebel, 31 Broad Street, knows the activity makes it unsafe. Wants to move the hoops, crosswalks and signage, but only the pool was removed. Kids are running through the street and in our front yards, loud music. Most concerned with activity at night. Police patrol is lacking, have called, but it is not an emergency. Usually, the group is gone by the time they respond, or the group leaves and comes back a little later. Wants back boards removed. Richard Ramos, 39 Broad Street, stated all his concerns at a recent meeting. Quality of life is disturbed, police called often. Have captured a lot on my security camera. Heard the basketball court is to be relocated, but no date is known. Betsy Partyka-Narey, 128 Meetinghouse Road, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, wants expedited appointment of Gail Beaudoin. Could not meet since April due to lack of quorum. The appointment will allow us to move forward and to  pay contractors. Mary Beth Costello, 66 Voss Avenue, thank you Director of Maintenance, Scott Chapdelaine, for Bowie playground. Thank you, Ben Strepka for Fairview Park improvement plans. Appreciate that neighborhood came out, it is a serious problem. It is a school and a park. Thank you, Parks Department, and DPW to relocate the basketball court. Can we put signage on Broad Street? Sue Nimchick, 362 James Street, City Council's most important resource is the people, they work hard and should have a living pay. Counting on transparency and discussion. Where is the budget? Discussion should be held ahead of time. Wants more questions. The voices are telling you, life is interrupted by the City Council. It was mentioned and then there was the Special Meeting on May 29 th and that moved the discussion about Zygarowski. Lori Jerusik, 17 Jeanette Drive, another important resource is dogs. Representing Donna Toupin, Michelle Makowski, and Jeannette Peltier. Reasonable accommodations for our service animals, brought to Commissioner's office. City ordinance does not supersede the ADA regulations. Service animals are reasonable accommodations. No rule that says only one service animal per person. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to close public input. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Communication: none Minutes 5/14/25 Special City Council Meeting and 5/20/25 City Council Meeting --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and approve minutes of 5/14/2025 Special City Council Meeting and 5/20/2025 City Council Meeting. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-1 Mayor's appropriation of Three million and 00/100 dollars ($3,000,000.00) to the following named account: Reduction of the 2026 Fiscal Year Tax Levy from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance "Free Cash" account. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to receive and pass. Councilor Brooks stated this is continuation of practice to lower taxes. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-2 Mayor's appropriation of Five hundred thirty two thousand two hundred eighty seven and 34/100 dollars ($532,287.34) to the following named account: D.P.W. Highway Special Account for Snow & Ice Removal from available funds in the Undesignated Fund Balance "Free Cash" account. --Motion made by Councilor Goff to receive and pass. Councilor Goff stated it is for ice removal from this past year. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-3 Ordered that the City Council accept the 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of Twenty one thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($21,500.00) from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Said grant is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and pass. Councilor Courchesne stated it is a state grant, and it will be determined later what it will be spent on. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-4 Be it Ordered that the City of Chicopee hereby accepts M.G.L. c. 40 § 71 in enabling the city to install and operate a school bus violation detection monitoring system on a school bus to enforce violations by an operator of a motor vehicle who overtakes or fails to stop their vehicle for a school bus when required to do so pursuant to section 14 and 14C of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Any system put in place shall be limited to monitoring and detecting violations of motor vehicle operators who fail to stop for a school bus. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to receive and refer to Public Safety. Councilor Shumsky stated this is to allow the city to install and operate and enforce violations. --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to allow President Laflamme to speak. Motion passed with roll call vote of 11 yes and 1 abstained. President Laflamme abstained. President Laflamme stated he has been working on for several months. He is 100% in favor of this but wants it to go to Public Safety. There are some questions of the M.G.L. Councilor Shumsky stated he is in favor of this going to subcommittee but would like it done as soon as possible. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-5 Ordered that the City Council accept the additional Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) Fiscal Year 2025 Priority Projects Program Advancement Grant in the amount of Five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($5,000.00) to the City of Chicopee. Said grant will supplement the initial DER award of One hundred thousand and 00/100 dollars ($100,000.00) and the previous supplemental amount of Forty five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($45,000.00) to support Phase II of the Abbey Brook Revitalization Project and it is accepted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53A. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and pass. Councilor Balakier stated this is an additional $5,000 grant that will supplement the initial $100, 000.00 and previous supplemental amount of $45,000.00. He stated he is in favor of accepting the grant. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-6 To the City Council You are hereby notified that I have this day appointed Gail Beaudoin, 31 Briere Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020 to serve as a board member on the Housing Authority as of June 3rd, 2025 that will expire June 3rd , 2030. To which appointment I ask the confirmation of your honorable Council. *New appointment --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to suspend rule 37. Councilor Labrie stated Gail Beaudoin is a good candidate and he is in favor. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated in favor of suspending rule 37. Councilor Wagner stated they have been operating since April without quorum. It is worth taking time to find the right person, even with the need. He will vote no tonight. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated the applicant is qualified and interested, no reason not to appoint. Councilor Brooks stated cannot jeopardize the Board's ability to pay bills, then they will not attract contractors and then prices will go up. It is imperative to pass tonight. Councilor Shumsky stated it is imperative to fill the position so quorum is met, and they can get things done. Motion to suspend rule 37 was passed with roll call vote of 11 yes and 1 no. Councilor Wagner voted no. --Motion made by Councilor Labrie to receive and pass appointment of Gail Beaudoin this evening. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. MO-7 To the City Council You are hereby notified that I have this day appointed Ronald LaVoie, 539 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 to serve as a board member on the Council on Aging as of June 3rd , 2025. To which appointment I ask the confirmation of your honorable Council. *New appointment --Motion made by Councilor Roy to receive and refer to Human Resources. Councilor Roy stated they will take it up in committee. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated he is a great request to appoint him. He is committed and knowledgeable. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 20 An unfavorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-52 (B) (13) for the purpose of kennel license located at 17 Jeanette Drive. Applicant: Lori Jerusik, 17 Jeanette Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013. --Motion made by Councilor Brooks to take item 20 out of order. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. --Motion made by Councilor Bala kier to receive unfavorable report and applicant be denied. Councilor Balakier stated original application was for six service dogs and two pet dogs. The  second meeting regarding this was last week with lots of input from both sides and much discussion. Reasons for denial were read from the committee report. Councilor Shumsky stated serious concerns after viewing pictures and videos from animal control. He cannot in good conscious, with information received, support this very difficult discission. Councilor Labrie stated she did file for a kennel license which was not granted. He would not want to live next to this and has to vote no. Councilor Roy stated he is going along with the subcommittee report documents. He knows Lori Jerusik would never knowingly hurt a dog. Councilor Broooks stated all service animals need to be registered with the city and they are not. The state of MA does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. He cannot support based on the feedback. Councilor Courchesne stated MA does not recognize emotional support animals. Motion to deny passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 8 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the Year 1991, as amended, be and is hereby further amended as follows: Delete Sections F and G of Chapter 188-7 Junk Collectors' and pawnshop licenses And Insert in Place Thereof Chapter 188-7 Junk Collectors' and pawnshop licenses Sections F, G, H, I, J, K F. Every keeper of a shop for the purchase, sale or barter of junk, old metal or secondhand articles and every pawnbroker within the limits of this City shall keep an electronic record in which shall be documented, at the time of every purchase or upon the receipt of any article, a description thereof, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, all distinguishing marks, etchings, engravings, model names, model numbers and serial numbers, the full name (first and last), date of birth, license or state/government ID number and residence of the person from whom, and the day and hour when, such purchase or receipt was made, and such electronic record shall at all times be open to the inspection of officers of the Chicopee Police Department and of any person authorized to make such inspection. G. The license holder shall photograph any and all items pawned, sold, pledged, or otherwise deposited with the license holder. The required photo sha ll be clear and of such quality that the item(s) shall be clearly identified. The photographs shall be stored in a digitized format and the image must be retrievable and a clear copy provided to police upon request. The above-described photos shall be maintained by the license holder for a minimum of three years. H. Every license holder shall allow a representative of the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN) to enter his shop and install the software necessary on the shopkeeper's computing device to allow the shopkeeper to electronically transmit a record of his/her transactions. Within the first hour of every business day, every shopkeeper shall transmit a record of his/her transactions from the prior day. The record transmitted must include the information included in sections -F and -G of this section.  I.The license holder shall accurately describe all items pawned, sold, or pledged with the license holder. This description shall include, but shall not be limited to, all distinguishing marks, etchings, engravings, model names, model numbers and serial numbers. Any jewelry with an affiliation to any institution or organization shall include the name of said institution or organization, year, and inscribed initials, if any. Any and all descriptions of items of jewelry shall include the material, size (if applicable), weight, length, shape, and color. Descriptions of coins, stamps, collectible cards, autographed items, figurines, or other collectible of any description shall include any identifying features such as the name of the items, date, denomination, color, size, brand name, vintage or image represented. All items pledged, sold, or pawned with the license holder must remain intact (i.e., precious stones in jewelry or data on electronic devices) until such time that they may legally change ownership. J. The license holder shall photograph the customer making the transaction with the license holder, along with a photograph of the required customer license or state- /government-issued ID. The required photographs shall be clear and of such quality that the customer and required license or state-/government-issued ID is clearly identifiable. This information shall be maintained according to section).:!. K. Dealers in secondhand books, clothing and furniture exempt. Persons who do not buy or sell secondhand articles except books, clothing or furniture shall be exempt from the provisions of section J. * --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated all sections were not posted in public, to make ordinance to match Massachusetts General Law. Councilor Arriaga stated it is a great thing to adopt so that it is easy for Police to track stolen items. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 9 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained that Chapter 7 of the ordinances for the City of Chicopee as amended be and is hereby further amended as follows: Law Department (Group 2) Strike out: a. Paralegal (1)$67,233.60 (Grade 6) Add: c. Senior Litigation Paralegal (1)$65,959.92 (Grade 8) Said ordinance to be operative upon passage. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated the Law Department wanted to reorganize their staff and it does not change the budget. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 10 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the year 1991, as amended be and is hereby further amended as follows: Add Chapter 278 Offenses Against Public Peace § 278 OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE § 278-1 Throwing missiles on public ways. It is unlawful for any person to throw upon, along or across any public highway, road, street, alley or sidewalk any missile capable of causing personal injury or damage to personal property at or toward any person or any vehicle. § 2 78-2 Lookouts for iilegal activities. No person shall act as a lookout for a gambling game, house of prostitution or other illegal act. ) § 278-3 Loitering. A.It is unlawful for any person to loiter or to stand or sit in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk so as to in any manner hinder or obstruct the free passage therein or thereon of persons or vehicles passing along the same, or so as in any manner to annoy or molest persons passing along the same. B.lt is unlawful for any person to loiter or to stand or sit in or at the entrance of any church, hall, theater or place of public assemblage so as in any manner to obstruct such entrance. § 27-B 4 Agwessi•,,e penl:ian€/ting en€/ penl:ien€/.f.ing in unautl:ioriie€/ torntions. ,'\.Pl,fff:lOSe and i;indings. l.lt is the intent of the council in enacting the ordinance codified in this section to impro't'e the quality of life and economic ,.,itality of the cit',', and to protect the safet,, of the general public against certain abusi't1e conduct of persons engaged in aggressi't'e panhandling by imposing reasonable restrictions on aggressive, intrusive, or unsafe panhandling while respecting the constitutional rights of free speech for all citizens. 2.Aggressi¥e and intrusi't'e panhandling t•;pically includes approaching or following pedestrians, the use of abusive language, unwanted physical contact, or the intentional blocking of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The city council finds that aggressi 1,,e and intrusive panhandling in the cit',' can become mEtremel1; disturbing and disrupti't'e to residents and businesses, and can contribute not only to the loss of access to and enjoyment of public places, but also in certain circumstances to an enhanced sense of fear, and disorder. ,'\ggressi't'e panhandling unquestionably threatens the public's safety and welfare. Aggressi't<e panhandling also undermines the public's inherent right to use and enjo',' public places without being accosted by or be in reasonable apprehension of persons demanding money or goods in a forceful manner. The actions of individuals engaged in aggressi't'e panhandling likewise can create a climate of intimidation and anxiety among members of the public, who when confronted, reasonably and legitin:iatel•; fear harm if they refuse to give in to the solicitations of indi't<iduals engaged in this t•;pe of conduct. ~.1\ggressive panhandling usually includes approaching or following pedestrians, the use of abusi¥e language, unwanted physical contact, or the intentional blocking of pedestrians. The city council further finds that the presence of indi¥iduals who panhandle from persons at or  = -l = ...... '°ilflllllfflf[I [ti ti 1ft lf ttlfiff lltfJ tit[ i f l f t l i t t i t t t r i i f t f i t r i t r i t f l J ~ l i t = = = = = doAatioA of FAonev, serYice, or tAing of Yalue Hsing spolrnA, written, or f:)rinted wor8, or Boetily gestlclres. "Plclblic place" FAeans a place ta which a gevemFAental entity has ewnership er ta which the plclblic er a slclbstantial grolclp ef persens has access, ans incl1cJEJes, blclt is net liFAiteEJ ta, any street, highway, sisewalk, parking let, pla2a, transpertatien facility, scheel, place of aFAuseFAent, park, f:)laygrouA8, and anv 8oorwa 1r, entrance, Railway, lobbv anet other portion of any Business estaBlishFAent, an apartFAent ho1:1se or Aotel not constituting a rooFA or apartFAent EJesigneEJ for actlclal resisence. 11 aa¥ings anS lean assoeiatisn 11 Ffleans any feSeral savings anet loan assoeiation an8 any 11 ins1:1re8 institutisn 11 as defined in aeetion 4Ql of the ~Jational l-401:1sing Aet, as aFflendeS, an8 an;, federal ere Sit l!lnion as 8efine8 in aeetisn 2 sf the ~e8eral Credit Union /\et. 11 aolieit or solieitation, 11 in addition ts the aetivities defined under aection §.Q4.44Q of this eods, shall incll!lde using the spol~sn, written, or printed word, or Bodily gestures, signs or other FA sans with the f3UFf3ose of sBtaining an iFflR1ediate donation of FA one;• or other tRing of 1ral1:1s or solieiting tAe sale of goods, serviess or any requsst, offer, entiesfflsnt, or aetion wRieh anno1:1nees tRs a1, 1ailaBility of a f3Srson to engage in an sFApls;1FAent transaetisn. C.Aggressive Panhansling Prehil3ites. It is lclnla\l,<flcll for any persen ta engage in aggressi•;e panhansling (as sefines in s1cJbsectien (B)(l)) en a plclblic street er sisewalk er any ether plclblic place, whether plclblicl1• er pri•;atel•t ewnes. D.AII PaAhan81ing ProhiBited /\t §;pscified Loeations. l.Qanks an8 Auton::iatsS Teller ~.4aeRines. ~Jo person shall panRan81e within forty feet af any entranee or eHit af an;1 Bank, sa1rings and loan association, eredit 1:Jnion, er eheek eashing blclsiness Slclring its blclsiness h01cJrs or within forty feet ef any a1cJt0FAateEJ teller FAachine a ming the tiFAe it is a•;ailable for rnsterners' lclse. Pro,·ises, hewe•;er, that when an a1cJt0FAateEJ teller FAachine is lecates within an alclteFAateEJ teller FAachine facility, slclch EJistance shall be FAeasure8 fron=i tAe sntrance or eHit oftl=w auton=iats8 teller FAacRine faeility. Prov:iSed furtl=ler that ne persen shall selicit, asl< er beg within an alclternates teller FAachine facility where a reasenable persen w01cJIEJ er sh01cJIEJ Ima'"' that he er she sees net ha\le the perFAissien ta EJe se froFA the ewner er ether persen lawflcllly in pessessien ef slclch facility. ~lathing in this paragraph shall be censtrneEJ ta prohibit the lawflcll vensing efgeess ans services within Slclch ilf€a5-, a.~HeFAptiens. The provisiens ef slclbsectien (Q)(l) shall net apply ta any alclteFAateEJ teller FAachine lecates within any blclilsing, str1cJct1cJre, er space whese priFAary plclrpose er flclnctien is 1cJnrelateEJ ta banl<ing activities, incl1cJEJing, blclt not liFAiteEJ ta, slclperFAarkets, clething stares, ans scheel blclilsings, pro•;iaes that wch a1cJt0FAateEJ teller FAachine shall be available fer lclse enly Slclring the reglcllar h01cJrs ef eperation of the lrnilsing, str1cJct1cJre er space in which slclch FAaehine is loeate8. 2J,4e8ians. It is mlawf1:JI for an;c person, while tRat person is locates an a strset FAsEiian 1,... 8esignate8 By rssol1:Jtion of the city cauneil, ta panhan81e fro FA oeeupants of a FAotor 1rehicle an that strset laeation. il.Parl<ing Lets. ~lo persen shall panhansle in any plclblic er pri,·ate parking let er strnct1cJre any tiFAe after sari<, lclnless with the eHpress a1cJtheri2atien ef the ewner, FAanager, er slclpervisor ef the blclsiness eperating at the preperty in whish the parl<ing let is lecates. "After EJark" r,,eaAs aA 1,' tir,,e fror,, eAe Ralf Aeur aker suAset ta eAe Ralf Aeur Befere s1:mrise. 4.Pwblie TraAspertatieA Stop. PJe perseA shall pa Aha Adle witAiA tweAty feet sf □ Al' 81::fs er ether puBlie traAsportatieA , 1eAiele stop. S.Outdoor Dining Areas. It is unlawful for any 13erson to 13anl'landle v,•itl'lin twenty feet of any outdoor dining area of a restaurant, Eaf6, or dining establisl'lA1ents serving food. a.Queuing Areas. Mo 13erson sl'lall 13anl'landle witl'lin twenty feet of a queue of two er A1ore 13ersons or vel'liEle waiting to gain adA1issien to a 13laEC er waiting to 13urEAase an iteA1 er adA1ission tiEl1et. Queuing areas sl'lall inElude, but are not liA1ited to, restaurant drive throblghs, FflOYie theater liAes, restauraAt liAes, or liAes for li1.1e eAtertaiAITlent. 7.Qrivoways /\eeessiAg Pblblie or Private Preperty. It is 1:.mlawfbll for any persoA loeated withiA tweAty feet of a driireway pro;•iding 1.1eRiebllar aeeess to pri•rate er pb!BliE property to paAhaAEile fror,, OEEblpaAts of a Fnotor vehiele. f;,PeAalty. AAy persoA in violation of anv provisieA of this seetion, or who ea uses, all01;1,1s or 13erFRits said violation sl'lall be 13unisl'lable 13ursuant to Cl'la13ter 1.20 (General Penalty) of tl'le Pim Rivera Munici13al Code. ~.PJoA f;Helusi;1ity. Nothing in this ehapter shall liFAit or predu8e the enFOreeR=10At of other applieaBle laws. § 278-5 Obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic. No person shall block, impede or obstruct any public place, or any entrance, exit or approach to any place of business in or upon any public place, in a manner calculated to or with the intent to prevent, delay, hinder or interfere with the free passage therealong or therethrough of any other person who is entering, occupying or leaving any place of business, or who is performing any service or labor, or who is seeking or obtaining employment, purchasing, selling, using, delivering, transporting or receiving any goods, wares, merchandise, services, entertainment, accommodations or articles, or who is attempting or seeking to do any of the foregoing; or to prevent, delay, hinder or interfere with the free passage therealong or therethrough of any vehicle or conveyance operated by or in custody of any such other person, or in which any such other person is riding or attempting to ride. § 278-6 Enforcement. The Superintendent of Public Works, Chicopee Police Department, Chicopee Building Department, Chicopee Health Department, Chicopee Fire Department, or any of their designee(s) shall enforce the provisions of Chapter 278 and shall have the authority to issue citations for any said violation(s). Any person violating any of the provisions of this article, except where a different penalty is specially provided, shall be liable to a fine of $50 for the first offense, $100 for a second offense and $ 500 for a third and/or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated it has been filed by Councilor Courchesne. Councilor Courchesne stated they are working to match state and federal guidelines. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 11 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: Be it Ordained by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the year 1991, as amended, be and is hereby further amended as follows: Add to Chapter 260-37.1 Engine brakes prohibited. Add Burnett Road. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated engine breaking added to Burnett Road. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 12 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Parking Regulations, Madison Street, South Side - 22 feet from corner of Waite Avenue, Parking Prohibited Here to Corner. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Kram pits stated this was filed by Councilor Zygarowski to deal with a parking issue. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 13 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs and Signal Lights, Savory Drive, Travelling north - At intersection of Sesame Drive, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a request for an isolated stop sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 14 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs and Signal Lights, Savory Drive, Travelling south - At intersection of Honey Lane, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a request for an isolated stop sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 15 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs and Signal Lights, Olko Court, Travelling east-At intersection of Moreau Drive, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a request for an isolated stop sign. Motion passed through .all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 16 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs and Signal Lights, Olko Court, Travelling west -At intersection of Olko Circle, Isolated Stop Sign. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a request for an isolated stop sign. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 17 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Bus Stops, Whitman Street, Move Bus Stop back (north) 30 feet, Bust Stop #6447. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a to move bus stop #6447. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 18 A favorable Ordinance Committee report: adding to Chapter 260, Bus Stops, Charbonneau Terrace, Move bus stop #6445 Charbonneau Terrace 40 feet north, Bus Stop #6445. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive, 2nd and final reading, enrolled and ordained. Councilor Krampits stated this is a to move bus stop #6445. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 19 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275- (9)(L)(1)(2) for the purpose of transferring liquor license located at 32 Quincy Street. Linda Vanasse, 41 Sanders Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and special permit application be granted with restrictions. Councilor Balakier stated this is for a transfer of liquor license, there was discussion and some neighbor concerns. He read the recommendations from the committee report. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank you to the Zoning Committee and was glad neighborhood concerns were heard. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 21 A favorable Zoning Committee report: Special Permit application under Chapter 275-67 for the purpose of approval under the Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay Ordinance for approval of a residential development to include up to 600 new residential apartments at the former Cabotville Mill Building and (4) outbuildings on Front Street located at 165 Front Street and O Exchange Street (Parcel ID 0096-00035, 0096-00027, 009S-MAIN). The following waivers are requested: (1) 275-67 Kl (b) Landscape Requirements, (2) 275-67 K3 (a) Parking, (3) 275-67 K7 (a) Noise Level. Applicant: Bridgewater Capital Partners c/o Mark Yunger, 3 E. Evergreen Road, Suite 10 #1045, New City, NY 10956.  --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to receive and special permit application be granted with restrictions. Councilor Balakier stated this is a continuation of April meeting, deferred until May. Many departments are involved and there is a tax payment plan laid out. He read the restrictions from the committee report. He stated the permit is to run with the land. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to approve waiver #1 for landscape requirements. Councilor Balakier stated this is for where dumpsters are debris is placed. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. --Motion made by Councilor Balakier to approve waiver #2 for parking requirements. Councilor Balakier stated this is a parking requirement and the developer needs 637 spaces. Councilor Pnaik-Costello stated what are we looking for, what is the requirement? Councilor Balakier stated they want a reduction from 1,200 spaces to 637 spaces. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. -Motion made by Councilor Balakier to approve waiver #3 for noise level. Councilor Balakier stated the developer is looking for noise level waiver because he is trying to use noise reduction materials. Motion passed through all stages by a unanimous roll call vote. 22 A favorable Recreations Committee report: Be it Ordered that the Parks and Recreation Committee meet to discuss the current state of the parks, current programming, current projects and grants and upcoming grants and projects. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive and place on file. Councilor Courchesne stated the Parks and Recreation Committee is for the grant. He stated most will be done in- house with some outside contractors. He read the projects from the committee report. He stated there are currently low staff levels to care for the parks, aging equipment to be replaced. Robotic lawn mowing, remote pool filters, and remote lighting will save money and should be looked into. Councilor Roy stated he is very impressed with Ben's report. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank you, always a labor shortage, basketball court will be moved. Councilor Balakier stated he feels bad for the neighbors. He stated if we have to take the hoops down, it is sad, but needed and glad there are plans to make the parks good. Councilor Shumsky stated Williams Park, for the first time in 23 years, will be refreshed. He stated rain has stuff backlogged, park will be closed for a day or two, will let people know when. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 23 Be it Ordered that Engineering perform a traffic study at the corner of James Street and Montcalm Street. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to receive and refer to Enginering Department for traffic study. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated this intersection is congested, has speeding and accidents. The owner of the Buffalo Club always calls with public safety concerns. Councilor Laflamme stated he will vote no because it is currently under construction and you will not get an accurate evaluation until after, then it should be done. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated she agrees, but we can refer to be done in the future. Councilor Shumsky stated what is the timeline for construction? Councilor Pniak-Costello stated that Mr. Beaulieu is here, maybe  he can address it tonight. Councilor Courchesne stated did you speak to Engineering first about doing this? Councilor Laflamme stated will vote no, it is not their responsibility to keep track, it is our responsibility to keep track of it. Motion defeated by a roll call vote of 11 no, 1 yes. Councilor Pniak-Costello voted yes. 24 Be it Ordered that Engineering and DPW review Griffard Street to become an accepted city street. --Motion made by Councilor Pniak-Costello to withdraw the Order. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated referring to Engineering Department and DPW to become an accepted city street for Chapter 90 money for repair. Councilor Laflamme stated voting no after doing research. He stated no reason to send, it is a private way. It does not meet the requirements to be a city street, it is gravel. Councilor Courchesne stated did you say it is gravel? Councilor Laflamme stated yes. Councilor Courchesne stated gravel will never be a city street. Councilor Pniak- Costello stated I went there and some is gravel and some is not. She states she wants it publicly noted not a city street because of the residents. Councilor Laflamme stated you could have known that from a phone call. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated I want it documented, but some of it is asphalt. She stated she will withdraw the request based on public discussion given this evening. It has been noted it cannot be a city street. Councilor Laflamme stated he spoke with DPW and Engineering by phone, there is nothing for them to do because it does not meet the standards. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 25 Be it Ordained by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the year 1991, as amended, be and is hereby further amended as follows: Chapter 188. Add to Chapter 188- 17. Fees will be waived for 50l(c)(3) organizations. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, ist reading and refer to Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated non-profit will not be charged a fee, just need papers. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 26 Be it Ordered that the City Council approve the request of the Chicopee Elks 1849 to hold Bingo on the following dates: June 8th , June 15th , and June 22 nd , 2025 and Super Bingo to be held on July 6th , 2025. Be it further ordered that the City Council authorizes the President of the City Council to sign the application on behalf of the City Council. --Motion made by Councilor Krampits to receive and pass. Councilor Krampits stated Bingo for Elks and allows the President of the City Council to sign off. Councilor Laflamme stated Elks are trying to change their day but want to try different days. Motion passed through all stages by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 1 abstained. Councilor Laflamme abstained. 27 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Isolated Stop Signs, Lenox Road, Travelling east -At intersection of Marten Street, Isolated Stop Sign.  --Motion made by Councilor Arriaga to receive, pt reading and refer to Ordinance Committee. Councilor Arriaga stated will take up in committee. Motion to refer passed by a unanimous roll call vote. 28 A proposed ordinance adding to Chapter 260, Chicopee Street, For a distance of 30 feet to Olivine Street, Parking Prohibited. --Motion made by Councilor Courchesne to receive, pt reading and refer to Ordinance Committee. Councilor Courchesne stated residents having trouble pulling out of street. Councilor Krampits stated Chicopee is misspelt, but it will be corrected in subcommittee. Motion to refer by a unanimous roll call vote. Councilor's Announcements Adjournment: --Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to adjourn at 9:06 PM. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk